InciWebSQF Complex Daily Udate, Oct. 4
SQF Complex Daily Udate Oct 4
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
Current Situation:
Overall, efforts to suppress the fire went well yesterday. The line at South Fork is holding. The cabins at Black Rock have had the structure protection wrap removed and the materials are being backhauled. Overnight, there was a spot fire of approximately 100 acres on the Tule Reservation. Crews were able to suppress it and forward progress in this area has ceased.
As of October 2, residents have returned to Camp Nelson, Pierpoint, Ponderosa, Coy Flat, and Doyle Springs. Visit https://tularecounty.ca.gov/recovers/ for more information. Tulare County will open a Local Assistance Center (LAC) at Porterville Government Plaza on Henderson on Monday morning. A satellite LAC will open in Camp Nelson. The hours will be from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The public is reminded to stay vigilant when returning after a wildfire. As residents return to the areas that have been opened, it is extremely important that they continue remain clear of all closure areas. These areas are closed due to multiple hazards and crews continue to work in these areas and they will reopen as soon as it is reasonably safe to do so. For more information visit: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/post-wildfire/returning- home/.
Today, fire crews continue to build and improve containment lines for perimeter control across the north end of the fire. Fire movement on the northwest portion of the fire has crossed the South Fork of the Kaweah River and is burning in light fuels. It is currently being held by rivers, creeks, and trails. Work will begin to create a contingency line using bulldozers, from the river to Mineral King Road.
Fire crews are expected to finish their work along the southern and eastern perimeters and will begin to break down the Troy Meadows camp today, followed by Camp Whitsett tomorrow. These resources will then be sent to the northwest where the fire remains most active.
Southern California remains under the influence of a broad and strong dome of high-pressure air. With this airmass firmly in place, expect another day of high temperatures, low humidity and local terrain driven winds. With such low humidity, all vegetation is highly susceptible to fire. Smoke over the fire will continue to moderate fire behavior but will make it difficult to access the area with aircraft.
A tremendous effort for coordination, access, and effective communication during this fire has been displayed by all cooperating agencies, which has greatly contributed to the effectiveness in battling the fire. The cooperation between multiple agencies continues to be appreciated.
Evacuations:
- Evacuation Orders, Map and Warnings for Tulare County.
- Tulare County has a structure assessment form for evacuees affected by the fire to provide contact information for County officials as the damage assessment continues.
- An interactive map showing damaged structures is available.
- Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency hotline for affected citizens – (559) 802-9790
- The Red Cross has evacuation centers at Porterville Community College and the NorthExeter Community Building. Also, call the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Closures:
- Sequoia National Forest closure of area north of Tulare/Kern county line: Forest Order 0513-20-34 SQF Western Divide and Kern River Ranger Districts Complex Fire Area, Trail, and Road Closure
- Regional Emergency Fire Restrictions are in place: Regional Order No. 20-18
- The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Office has issued a temporary emergency closure.
- Road closures due to the SQF Complex may be found by clicking here.
- The Temporary Flight Restriction (9/19/20) may be found here. Drones over the fire area are prohibited.
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park are open except for a large portion of the wilderness in Sequoia National Park due to wildfire. For more information please visit www.nps.gov/seki
Smoke: Current air quality may be found at https://fire.airnow.gov/
Alert: To receive emergency notifications regarding evacuations and critical events sign up at alerttc.com
Cooperating and Assisting Organizations: Tulare County Fire Department, Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, Tule River Tribe, California Rehabilitation Center Fire Department, California Conservation Corps, California Office of Emergency Services, and Bureau of Land Management.
Safety Message: Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to continue to prepare for the possibility of fire in their area in advance. Go to www.ready.gov/wildfires to learn how to prepare.